2020 Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50: What are the differences?

We all know the new Mazda BT-50 was derived from the Isuzu D-Max rather than the Ford Ranger for this generation.

Now we have pricing and specifications for both models, it seems wise to contrast them. We’re lining up a ‘proper’ comparison test when possible, but for now this will hopefully give some insights.

Naturally there are some stylistic differences. The cabins look different too, with divergent vents, trim colours and steering wheel hubs.

Isuzu also offers an extra year of warranty (six versus five), but the former is capped at 150,000km unlike the latter.

• MORE: 2021 Isuzu D-Max pricing and specs
• MORE: 2021 Mazda BT-50 pricing and specs

In short

• The D-Max X-Terrain flagship has a hard rolling tray cover, a body kit, and a tub liner, and also drive-away pricing from launch. The BT-50 GT equivalent lacks these add-ons but instead has heated seats and an electrochromatic mirror.
• The mid-range D-Max LS-U is available in unique (for now) extended-cab body, but the equivalent BT-50 XTR alone has a proximity key fob and button start.
• The D-Max LS-M stands alone, with all-terrain rubber and heavy duty rear suspension from cab-chassis models.
• The D-Max SX undercuts the BT-50 XT on price but lacks the Mazda’s LED headlights and rear sensors. It also has carpet floors instead of vinyl.
• The Isuzu comes in single-cab, extended-cab, and dual-cab bodies. The Mazda is currently dual-cab only.
• Isuzu has one more year of warranty, but also a distance cap.

Lifestyle pickups: Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain v Mazda BT-50 GT

This pair are the range-toppers, and both are solely dual-cab utes with 4×4.

The D-Max X-Terrain is available with an automatic transmission only, whereas the BT-50 GT is available as a manual or auto.

Isuzu is already selling the top-of-the-range D-Max at special drive-away pricing, whereas Mazda is yet to announce any specific national deals.

• D-Max X-Terrain: $62,900 before on-road costs ($58,990 drive-away)
• BT-50 GT: $56,990 before on-road costs (manual) and $59,990 (auto)

Let’s look at features they have in common. The table below shows mechanical and capacities.

Now, what about safety features? They both have the longest list of active safety features in the class, across all variants.

What about some key features? Differences in bold.

Mid-range: Isuzu D-Max LS-U v Mazda BT-50 XTR

This pair sit a rung below the flagships on the variant totem pole.

Both the D-Max LS-U and BT-50 XTR come in dual-cab body configurations with either 4×2 or 4×4 – the latter with manual or auto transmissions (Mazda charges $500 more than Isuzu for the same Aisin 6AT).

• D-Max LS-U 4×2 dual-cab ute: $48,900 (auto)
• D-Max LS-U 4×4 dual-cab ute: $54,900 (manual) and $56,900 (auto)

• BT-50 XTR 4×2 dual-cab ute: $49,740 (auto)
• BT-50 XTR 4×4 dual-cab ute: $54,710 (manual) and $57,210 (auto)

They sport the same engine as the range-toppers.

What are some of the key feature differences? If something is not listed in the table, then assume it’s the same as the X-Terrain/GT.

Workhorses: Isuzu D-Max SX and LS-M v Mazda BT-50 XT

Isuzu offers two workhorse grades called LS-M, and SX, while Mazda offers just the one, called XT.

The LS-M is only available as a 4×4 dual-cab ute body with manual or automatic transmissions. It alone gets all-terrain tyres as standard, and picks up heavier duty suspension from the cab chassis versions.

The D-Max SX dual-cab grades come in cab-chassis and ute body styles in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. It’s the same story for the BT-50 XT, though Mazda’s premium for the ute tub over the cab-chassis is $200 greater than Isuzu’s.

• D-Max SX 4×2 dual-cab chassis: $40,700 (auto)
• D-Max SX 4×2 dual-cab ute: $41,900 (auto)
• D-Max SX 4×4 dual-cab chassis: $46,700 (manual) and $48,700 (auto)
• D-Max SX 4×4 dual-cab ute: $47,900 (manual) and $49,900 (auto)
• D-Max LS-M 4×4 dual-cab ute: $51,000 (manual) and $53,000 (auto)

• BT-50 XT 4×2 dual-cab chassis: $44,090 (auto)
• BT-50 XT 4×2 dual-cab ute: $45,490 (auto)
• BT-50 XT 4×4 dual-cab chassis: $49,360 (manual) and $51,860 (auto)
• BT-50 XT 4×4 dual-cab ute: $50,760 (manual) and $53,260 (auto)

They sport the same engine as the range-toppers.

What are some of the key feature differences? If something is not listed in the table, then assume it’s the same as the aforementioned.

Wider range

The BT-50 launch range is dual-cab only, but the D-Max’s range is broader from launch.

You can already order the LS-U in Space Cab Ute 4×4 form, and the SX in Space Cab Ute (4×2), Space Cab Chassis (4×4) and Single Cab Chassis (4×2 and 4×4). Read all about those here.